Illinois State Police Trooper Exam Questions and Answers |Fall
2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct
QUESTION 1:
Which constitutional amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
A. First Amendment
B. Fourth Amendment
C. Fifth Amendment
D. Eighth Amendment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fourth Amendment
RATIONALE: The Fourth Amendment specifically guards against unreasonable searches and
seizures, requiring probable cause and warrants based on oath or affirmation.
QUESTION 2:
When conducting a traffic stop at night, which officer safety precaution is best practice?
A. Leave headlights off
B. Keep your flashlight off to avoid alerting the driver
C. Angle the patrol car slightly toward the roadway with takedown lights activated
D. Approach directly from the driver’s side without illumination
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Angle the patrol car slightly toward the roadway with takedown
lights activated
RATIONALE: Proper vehicle positioning and lighting enhance visibility and provide cover during
nighttime stops.
QUESTION 3:
Which of the following is an element of probable cause?
A. A mere suspicion of criminal activity
B. A hunch based on experience
C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime is occurring
D. A tip from an anonymous source with no corroboration
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to
believe a crime is occurring
RATIONALE: Probable cause exists when objective facts lead a prudent person to conclude that
evidence of a crime is present.
QUESTION 4:
A trooper responding to a domestic disturbance must first:
A. Determine the victim’s occupation
B. Ensure scene safety before entering
C. Question neighbors
D. Begin paperwork immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure scene safety before entering
RATIONALE: Safety assessment is always the initial priority in potentially violent scenes to
prevent officer or civilian injury.
QUESTION 5:
Which radio code term typically signifies an officer needs immediate emergency assistance?
A. 10-7
B. 10-23
C. 10-33
D. 10-45
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10-33
RATIONALE: A “10-33” call designates an emergency or officer-needs-help situation requiring
immediate response.
QUESTION 6:
Which court case established the “Miranda Warning”?
A. Terry v. Ohio
B. Mapp v. Ohio
C. Miranda v. Arizona
D. Gideon v. Wainwright
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Miranda v. Arizona
RATIONALE: Miranda v. Arizona (1966) mandated advising suspects of their rights prior to
custodial interrogation.
QUESTION 7:
What principle underlies the “use of force continuum”?
A. Force is applied equally in all situations
B. Force escalates proportionally to subject resistance and threat
C. Force can be used at any time upon authority recognition
D. Force is limited to verbal commands
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Force escalates proportionally to subject resistance and threat
RATIONALE: The continuum guides officers to apply only the level of force reasonably necessary
to control the situation.
QUESTION 8:
A trooper finds a motorist slumped over the wheel with labored breathing. What is the first
action?
A. Administer CPR
B. Assess consciousness and call for EMS
C. Search the vehicle for identification
D. Move the victim to the shoulder
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess consciousness and call for EMS
RATIONALE: Initial assessment ensures identification of a medical emergency and rapid
activation of medical assistance.
QUESTION 9:
Chain of custody procedures are essential primarily to:
A. Limit paperwork
B. Maintain security and evidentiary integrity
C. Protect officer reputation
D. Prevent data corruption
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Maintain security and evidentiary integrity
RATIONALE: Proper documentation verifies that evidence is uncontaminated and handled by
authorized personnel.
QUESTION 10:
Which of the following is an example of community-oriented policing?
A. Increasing arrest quotas
B. Partnering with residents to address neighborhood concerns
C. Conducting random searches
D. Issuing more citations during patrol
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Partnering with residents to address neighborhood concerns
RATIONALE: Community policing focuses on cooperative relationships between law enforcement
and the community.
QUESTION 11:
Under Illinois law, which blood alcohol concentration (BAC) defines legal intoxication for drivers
over age 21?
A. 0.04%
B. 0.06%
C. 0.08%
D. 0.10%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 0.08%
RATIONALE: Illinois, like most states, sets 0.08% BAC as the per se limit for intoxication.
QUESTION 12:
During a high-speed pursuit, the trooper must balance apprehension with:
A. Departmental budget concerns
B. Public safety
C. Witness statements
D. Media coverage
2025/2026 Update | 100% Correct
QUESTION 1:
Which constitutional amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
A. First Amendment
B. Fourth Amendment
C. Fifth Amendment
D. Eighth Amendment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Fourth Amendment
RATIONALE: The Fourth Amendment specifically guards against unreasonable searches and
seizures, requiring probable cause and warrants based on oath or affirmation.
QUESTION 2:
When conducting a traffic stop at night, which officer safety precaution is best practice?
A. Leave headlights off
B. Keep your flashlight off to avoid alerting the driver
C. Angle the patrol car slightly toward the roadway with takedown lights activated
D. Approach directly from the driver’s side without illumination
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Angle the patrol car slightly toward the roadway with takedown
lights activated
RATIONALE: Proper vehicle positioning and lighting enhance visibility and provide cover during
nighttime stops.
QUESTION 3:
Which of the following is an element of probable cause?
A. A mere suspicion of criminal activity
B. A hunch based on experience
C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime is occurring
D. A tip from an anonymous source with no corroboration
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to
believe a crime is occurring
RATIONALE: Probable cause exists when objective facts lead a prudent person to conclude that
evidence of a crime is present.
QUESTION 4:
A trooper responding to a domestic disturbance must first:
A. Determine the victim’s occupation
B. Ensure scene safety before entering
C. Question neighbors
D. Begin paperwork immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure scene safety before entering
RATIONALE: Safety assessment is always the initial priority in potentially violent scenes to
prevent officer or civilian injury.
QUESTION 5:
Which radio code term typically signifies an officer needs immediate emergency assistance?
A. 10-7
B. 10-23
C. 10-33
D. 10-45
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 10-33
RATIONALE: A “10-33” call designates an emergency or officer-needs-help situation requiring
immediate response.
QUESTION 6:
Which court case established the “Miranda Warning”?
A. Terry v. Ohio
B. Mapp v. Ohio
C. Miranda v. Arizona
D. Gideon v. Wainwright
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Miranda v. Arizona
RATIONALE: Miranda v. Arizona (1966) mandated advising suspects of their rights prior to
custodial interrogation.
QUESTION 7:
What principle underlies the “use of force continuum”?
A. Force is applied equally in all situations
B. Force escalates proportionally to subject resistance and threat
C. Force can be used at any time upon authority recognition
D. Force is limited to verbal commands
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Force escalates proportionally to subject resistance and threat
RATIONALE: The continuum guides officers to apply only the level of force reasonably necessary
to control the situation.
QUESTION 8:
A trooper finds a motorist slumped over the wheel with labored breathing. What is the first
action?
A. Administer CPR
B. Assess consciousness and call for EMS
C. Search the vehicle for identification
D. Move the victim to the shoulder
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess consciousness and call for EMS
RATIONALE: Initial assessment ensures identification of a medical emergency and rapid
activation of medical assistance.
QUESTION 9:
Chain of custody procedures are essential primarily to:
A. Limit paperwork
B. Maintain security and evidentiary integrity
C. Protect officer reputation
D. Prevent data corruption
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Maintain security and evidentiary integrity
RATIONALE: Proper documentation verifies that evidence is uncontaminated and handled by
authorized personnel.
QUESTION 10:
Which of the following is an example of community-oriented policing?
A. Increasing arrest quotas
B. Partnering with residents to address neighborhood concerns
C. Conducting random searches
D. Issuing more citations during patrol
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Partnering with residents to address neighborhood concerns
RATIONALE: Community policing focuses on cooperative relationships between law enforcement
and the community.
QUESTION 11:
Under Illinois law, which blood alcohol concentration (BAC) defines legal intoxication for drivers
over age 21?
A. 0.04%
B. 0.06%
C. 0.08%
D. 0.10%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 0.08%
RATIONALE: Illinois, like most states, sets 0.08% BAC as the per se limit for intoxication.
QUESTION 12:
During a high-speed pursuit, the trooper must balance apprehension with:
A. Departmental budget concerns
B. Public safety
C. Witness statements
D. Media coverage
